Waxing Gibbous

March 3, 2003 5:30 AM

Names of the Full Moons We are now 4 days past the Snow Moon, and this year it's easy to see (at least here in northern Virginia) why it was so named. It was also called the Hunger Moon... [more inside]
posted by Irontom (9 comments total)

because the harsh conditions made hunting difficult.

March's full moon is the Worm Moon As the temperature begins to warm and the ground begins to thaw, earthworm casts appear, heralding the return of the robins (I am proud to say I saw the first robbin of spring at our house on Saturday). The more northern tribes knew this moon as the Crow Moon, when the cawing of crows signaled the end of winter; or the Crust Moon, because the snow cover becomes crusted from thawing by day and freezing at night (we've got this going on big time this year). Those who tapped the maple trees called it the Sap Moon. To the settlers, it was also known as the Lenten Moon, and was considered to be the last full moon of winter.

I love this kind of thing. It appeals to my sense of nostalgia for a time that I've never known (and honestly probably never existed) when things weren't so insanely hectic.

Does anyone else have any other interesting folklore to share?
posted by Irontom at 5:30 AM on March 3, 2003

No folklore to share here, but [this is good].

The "Foxfire" books are interesting if you're into this stuff.
posted by Vidiot at 6:03 AM on March 3, 2003

Here's the Chinese lunar calendar, and others which may be of interest.
posted by hama7 at 6:04 AM on March 3, 2003

Oh, won't you shine on, shine on Harvest Moon, up in the sky!
I ain't had no loving since January, February, June, or July.
Snow time ain't no time to stay outdoors and spoon.
So shine on, shine on Harvest Moon,
For me and my gal.

Now I know exactly what time of year to sing that song. Thanks, Irontom!
posted by CrunchyFrog at 6:04 AM on March 3, 2003

Definitely a page to print out and refer each month - very nice. I love this kind of stuff. And I'm so happy that you've seen a robin!
posted by iconomy at 6:20 AM on March 3, 2003

And now I have at least an evocative association for Nick Drake's "Pink Moon" (even if it judging by the record's bummer mood that might've been an, er, ironic title).
tanks large.
posted by chandy72 at 6:21 AM on March 3, 2003

This is totally cool, Irontom, thanks for the link!
posted by headspace at 7:09 AM on March 3, 2003

great link, thanks.
posted by PugAchev at 11:51 AM on March 3, 2003

What, no Cherry Moon?

Also of interest: The 13 Moon Calendar
posted by muckster at 5:54 PM on March 3, 2003